When you have a winner, it’s a good idea not to mess around too much with the recipe. By most measures of critical acclaim and accompanying sales figures, the Aprilia Sportcity 250 has been a big winner for Piaggio Group USA. 

So, why would the late-arriving 2008 version get “not merely restyled, but complete renewed,” and gain the new moniker Sportcity Cube 250?

Well, in reality the substantive changes are, at most, evolutionary. Mechanically, the U.S. version of the “Cube” remains virtually the same with the identical engine, brakes and suspension set up that previously delivered success. It would take a highly trained eye to verify the claim that the new body style is slightly larger. In fact, the restyling keeps the supremely svelte shape and retains a feathery light dry weight at 326 pounds despite several cosmetic changes. Although the 32-inch seat height ranks among the tallest scooter perches around - and hasn’t changed, this model’s slim design and light weight continues to effectively negate the problem for most potential riders.

From this angle, you can see cosmetic updates in the Sportcity’s front grille and exhaust. 

This year Aprilia reworked the Sportcity to accommodate the new high-torque 278cc engine also found in the newest and largest Vespa. At least for now, Piaggio Group has decided against bringing this new engine to the United States. We happen to agree with that decision. Piaggio Group USA has to juggle support for a broad scooter lineup spanning brands Aprilia, Piaggio and Vespa. So, retaining the dependable and proven 244cc EFI engine that nicely powers the Vespa GTS and first-generation Piaggio MP3 can help keep overall Group USA costs down while supporting products more efficiently.

Indeed, Aprilia received kudos for attractively pricing the previous generation Sportcity at $4,599 MSRP. And for only $100 more, you get an improved seat shape and better cushioning, a bigger and more-informative symmetrical dashboard display, and a highly functional extended luggage rack that better accommodates a top case or other potential storage solutions. Additional changes are largely cosmetic, such as a reworked front faring and matte-finish replacing the previous stainless steel exhaust heat shield. In short, you get the new body style coupled with the previous mechanical set up.

In the U.K. and Europe, the upgraded instrumentation display emphasizes Km/h on the outside coupled with understated MPH dialed inside. 

So, what’s with the “Cube?” 

In Europe, you’ll find the brochure referencing “Cu3e” – as in third dimension. Not only is this the third generation of the Sportcity, but the 278cc engine qualifies (by commonly accepted rounding-up principles) as 300cc class. Cu3e be cute. And if Honda ever delivers the much-touted SH300 to U.S. shores, you can double down on the European version of the Cube heading our way soon after.